Goodluck Jonathan Arrives in South Korea for World Summit 2025, to Receive Prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Thursday arrived in Seoul, South Korea, in expectation of the 2025 World Summit and the formal presentation ceremony of the prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize, scheduled for Friday.

Jonathan, President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, will receive the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize — the first African leader to be thus honored in this category. His attendance is one of the highlights of the global summit which brings together world leaders, diplomats, peace activists, and international organizations to find solutions to global issues and promote peace and sustainable development.

Jonathan was selected by the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee for his efforts over many years at constructing peace, democratic government, and mediation in Africa.

Jonathan has been working tirelessly toward conflict resolution and good governance in Africa through initiatives of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the West African Elders Forum, and the International Summit Council for Peace.

He has been commended for his commitment to peaceful democratic transitions — none more so than for his historic concession in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, an action which significantly deepened democratic values in West Africa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended Jonathan for this international recognition, describing it as a “well-deserved honor” that shows the former president’s commitment to democratic ideals, peace, and stability.

In a statement, Tinubu cited Jonathan’s peaceful handover of power in 2015 as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic transition that remains a model in the region.

His unwavering dedication to strengthening democratic institutions and resolving conflicts peacefully has won him not only national respect but global acclaim,” the president said.

The Sunhak Peace Prize, which was established in 2015, is a biennial award presented to individuals and groups that have made significant contributions to peace, human development, and sustainability in the environment. The Founder’s Award is a special award presented to exceptional leaders who have advanced world peace and security in an unprecedented way.

As the world looks forward to Friday’s formal presentation of the award, Jonathan’s recognition is a moment of pride for Nigeria and the African continent — a testament to the power of diplomacy, humility, and leadership in peace sustenance.